This weekend was rounded out by the finale to the current series of Being Human, the only show I'm currently watching. With a major cast overhaul, this was always going to be a make or break season and astonishingly, its the best one yet.I liked original werewolf, nice guy George , and original vampire, broody Mitchell, and thought they'd be hard to replace. Within an episode or two of this season, they were distant memories as the newbies proved to be far more interesting. Looking back at them now, Mitchell was a git but George still holds up well.
New vampire-slaying werewolf Tom is surprisingly likable. Played by the brother of Misfits' gobshite Kelly, he's far more likable and sympathetic as the naive and sheltered Tom ("Virginity's like a flower...you don't pluck it for just anyone..."). Balancing Tom's open nature is Hal, the OCD vampire who uses his rituals and ordering systems as a way of combating his addiction to blood. Moment's such as Kirby's hilarious celebration dance, Tom's geeky pseudo girlfriend and Hal's cack-handed response to flirtation ("If the goalie's here, the defender's here and the striker's here, is this off side or not?" "....Sorry...I don't watch the rugby...") really helped elevate this series.
It wasn't perfect: the Warchild prophecy was a bit vague and the post apocalyptic future looked less terrible and just a bit overcast really. The show really broke the show, don't tell rule, exposing its limited budget. That could have led to an effective, creative way to show the future on a budget but led instead to some clouds.
The last episode really redeemed these minor points though with a great turn from Mark Gattiss as villainous vampire lord Mr Snow, a dilemma about whether to kill or not and a bittersweet but triumphant exit for one cast member that leads to further changes for the next season.
Damning with faint praise perhaps, but Being Human is the best show on BBC3 that's satisfying as comedy, drama and supernatural entertainment. Roll on season five...
